Head of Technical Operations

Imperial College London; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days’ annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working policy

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Head of Technical Operations to manage and lead the technical team at the South Kensington campus. The role involves developing strategies for technical support, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field along with significant technical management experience and strong leadership skills. This full-time position includes a competitive salary and numerous workplace benefits.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in technical and facilities management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Health and Safety regulations.
• Sound understanding of financial monitoring.
• Ability to motivate staff and build cross-disciplinary pathways.
• Excellent communication with researchers, educators and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategy for technical support.
• Support teaching and research across various activities.
• Maximise efficient use of infrastructure and core facilities.
• Lead refurbishment planning and project oversight of laboratories.
• Ensure safety, biosafety and compliance across all labs.
• Collaborate with researchers and teaching staff to enable high‑quality science.

Skills

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

NEBOSH National Certificate

Tools

Facilities management systems

Job description

About the role

Working across Imperial’s South Kensington and Silwood Park campuses, the Department of Life Sciences is one of the largest life science groups in Europe. Our work tackles every major issue facing the world today, from fighting malaria and infections, to antimicrobial resistance, climate change and the ecology of our planet.

We are now seeking to appoint an outstanding individual as Head of Technical Operations, to lead and manage our technical team, ensuring the efficient running of our core facilities and research and teaching laboratories.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced technical manager to step into a leadership role with us. You will be based at the South Kensington campus, travelling regularly to Silwood Park, and working closely with colleagues across the university and externally.

What you would be doing

• Developing and implementing strategy for technical support and development, co-ordinating activities across our campuses.
• Supporting teaching and research across a range of activities, including molecular biology laboratories, microbiology, tissue culture facilities, plant growth facilities, high performance computing, Level 2 and 3 biohazard containment suites, CBS facilities, imaging and high power lasers.
• Maximising efficient use and management of our infrastructure and core facilities.
• Financial planning including the purchase and maintenance of equipment.
• Supporting the Department in embedding sustainability best practice across our activities.
• Leading the planning, co-ordination and oversight of the refurbishment of laboratories.

What we are looking for

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, and/or relevant professional qualification related to the work of this post
• Professional Safety Qualification such as NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
• Extensive experience of technical and facilities management, and of working in a research laboratory.
• A comprehensive knowledge of Health and Safety regulations and procedures.
• A sound understanding of financial monitoring and reporting with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Effective interpersonal skills across all levels.
• Proven ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret the requirements for technical support of academics, research staff and students.
• A solutions-oriented approach, with an open mind to new ideas and the ability to think creatively and innovatively in order to solve problems.

What we can offer you

• A unique opportunity to join our vibrant departmental community and make a substantial contribution to our mission to use science for humanity.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution.
• A sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

This is a full-time post based at our South Kensington Campus. There will be regular travel to Silwood Park Campus as part of this role.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Cathy Tupman, Director of Operations – [e-mail]

Please refer to attachment entitled ‘Additional information about the Department’ to learn more about our current facilities and organisational structure.